Criminal law is a system of laws that that works to punish those who commit crimes. Even if the criminal justice system differs from state to state, there are punishable crimes that remain the same throughout the country. And if you are accused, it’s best to work with a trusted criminal defense attorney rather than representing yourself. Here’s what you need to know about this area of the law. 

A Guide to Criminal Law

Is it different from civil law?

While civil law focuses on relations between community members, criminal law is more focused on society as a whole. They are similar in the sense that they both prohibit specific actions and involve punishments. Of the two, criminal law generally carries heavier penalties, such as serving long sentences in jail. There are instances, however, when an act is considered a crime and a violation of civil law. Assaulting a person is punishable by law, and if the victim sues for compensation for injuries, it is considered civil litigation.

Crimes have three classifications: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Among the three, a felony is the most severe type of crime, and it often leads to more than a year of incarceration. Examples of felonies include murder, bank robbery, and fraud; driving under the influence is considered a misdemeanor. 

Will you be arrested when you’re charged with a crime?

Many times, the answer is yes, especially if the police have found probable cause that you’ve committed the crime, even without evidence of guilt. There are three ways they can take you into custody: make a lawful arrest, submit your case to the district attorney’s office for arraignment, or ask for your voluntary surrender.  

What happens after an arrest?

Once you’re taken into custody, an initial court arraignment will be set within 48 hours. Your criminal defense attorney will receive the charges against you and make a case for bail if applicable. Afterward, a preliminary court hearing will be held to present any evidence and key witnesses. Your attorney will then dispute any inconsistencies or wrongful statements from the plaintiff’s side.

Why hire a criminal defense attorney?

When you’re accused of a crime, it’s crucial to hire a criminal defense attorney. They are familiar with the ins and outs of criminal law, so they will offer the right legal counsel. Be sure to call an attorney immediately after your arrest—they will often advise against speaking to the police or giving statements, as doing so will often bring more harm than good. If the jury does find you guilty, a lawyer will fight to reduce your sentence—including jail time—and request community service or a probational period.  

When you need advice from a reliable criminal defense attorney, contact The Law Offices of Conti, Levy and Salerno, LLC. With over 75 years of combined experience, their criminal defense attorneys have provided outstanding legal representation to clients throughout Litchfield County, CT. Call (860) 482-4451 to schedule a free consultation, or visit their website today for more information.